Leadership & Staff

Our leadership and staff are dedicated professionals from a range of backgrounds including education, child development, social work, and youth development.

Office of CEO & Vice Presidents

Sonja Crum Knight

Chief Programs & Impact Officer
312.243.7300 x243

Kelly Powers

Chief Operating Officer
312.243.7300 x265

Tara Harper

Chief Development Officer
312.243.7300 x267

Juleigh Ruby

Executive Assistant to President & CEO
312.243.7300 x222

Abby Ristow

Vice President of People & Culture
312.243.7300 x266

Laura Hool

Director of Strategic Initiatives
312.243.7300 x162

Ashley Nazarak

Vice President of Scaling & Dissemination
312.243.7300 x242

Leadership Circle

Alicia Castañeda Rodriguez

Director of Family Engagement & Support
773.521.1600 x128

Azucena “Susy” Gonzalez

Senior Director of Community Based Programs
312.243.7300 x230

Brenda Berman

Director of Program Marketing & Communication
312.243.7300 x217

David Walker

Senior Director of Mental Health
312.243.7300 x346

Julissa Cruz

Director of Community-Based Advocacy
312.243.7300 x118

Kenny Riley

Senior Director of Out-of-School-Time (OST) Programs
773.521.1600 x123

Latoya Golliday

Director of Operations
312.243.7300 x467

Meg Helder

Senior Director of Monitoring & Support
312.243.7300 x224

Michele Black

Senior Director of Programs and Impact Operations
312.243.7300 x212

Tineasha Ellis

Senior Accountant
312.243.7300 x239

Staff Education & Background

Our staff works collaboratively through an interdisciplinary approach to relation-based practice to best meet the needs of those we serve.

The Carole Robertson Center’s programs are delivered by a workforce representative of those served. This workforce, at all levels within the organization, includes community residents, former program parents, and alumni.

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Preschool Teachers

Hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in early childhood education or child development and Illinois Professional Educator Licenses with Bilingual or English as a Second Language endorsement.

Family Support Specialists

Hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Social Work or Human Services.

Infant & Toddler Teachers

Hold Bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education or child development and the Infant Toddler Credential.

Staff Across Our Organization

Teaching, Family Support, & Direct Service Staff

Languages Spoken

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